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Coloccini laments Euro hope

Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini has admitted that he joined in the hope of securing European football.

By Rob Carragher

Last Updated: 01/02/09 11:42am

Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini has admitted that he joined the club with expectations of achieving European football.

Coloccini arrived as a high-profile signing at a time when Magpies fans were dreaming of a Kevin Keegan inspired revival.

But less than six months on from the Argentine's signing, the team find themselves just one point from bottom - much to Coloccini's dismay.

"I thought we would be higher up the table and going for either the Champions League or the Uefa Cup," the former Deportivo man told the News of the World.

"My thoughts have had to change. I did not think when I joined that we would be at the bottom."

Troubled times

Spirits had been high at Newcastle at the start of the new season, but within weeks of a fine opening draw at Old Trafford, Keegan had resigned and the club were tumbling down the league table once again.

"The change of manager made it more difficult," Coloccini added.

"I was surprised Keegan left because at that moment the team was doing good, we had good results in the league and the Carling Cup. It was a major surprise when he left the club.

"What has gone on has made it more difficult but we cannot think about what has happened to the club. We have to think about the football. That is more important.

"We are near the relegation zone. I am aware of that. We have to win the next match to get away from it."